Butchers targeted by shoplifting gangs

Taking a cut: Police say meat's high value makes it attractive to shoplifters

Lee Jae-Won: Reuters

Police say well-organised gangs of shoplifters are travelling across Tasmania to satisfy a lucrative black market that supplies a highly sought after product - meat.

Five shoplifters, who have allegedly stolen more than $1,000 worth of meat each, have been arrested over the past fortnight.

Police say the high cost of living has triggered the unexpected crime wave and say thousands of dollars worth of meat is being stolen from Tasmanian supermarkets each week.

Detective Inspector David Plumpton says often it is not a crime of desperation but gangs supplying a booming black market.

"It doesn't sound particularly sexy or fancy, but meat is a tradeable item because of the cost," he said.

"If you and your family did not have to purchase meat this year, you'd save yourself thousands of dollars. If you and your family not only didn't have to purchase meat this year but were able to sell meat this year, you'd make yourselves a significant amount of money."